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Rants, Raves & Reviews
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14:29
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Will it survive ( buy airtime & redeem for flights!) but leave the private sector to think of ideas... smart or dumb... who is to say? www.flyairtime.co.zaGovernment bureaucrats would never allow for real progress! Simply no imagination!
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5:20
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I told you so... yes, I, coldtusker, warned Kenyans... " Warped Priorities at KFS" 2 of the 3 ferries were out of order at Likoni today... And trust me... the way things are going, I expect one to sink soon... which is bad news for tourism... Solution: - Either privatise KFS which means charging the passengers (or subsidizing the KFS). - Build a bridge or tunnel asap!!!
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8:15
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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The CBK governor (ndungu) was mouthing off idiotic growth numbers (7%) earlier in the year after the Post-Election Violence while his more sensible colleuage Prof. Ryan was counseling caution (2-3%). Well... it turns out that Ryan's estimates will be far closer to the truth... especially with inflation in the 20% region... and this AFTER the state subsidies for maize kicks in... BTW... How many axles does this 128-tyre monster have? Do you think the (corrupt) police officers will ask for a 128,000 bribe to let it through?
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2:12
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Are 'top' government officials in Kenya overpaid? (Keep in mind the US economy even in its 'diminished' state is 1,000x larger than Kenya's...) This includes the Executive, Legislative & Judicial branches... Check this link out... American Government Salaries
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11:19
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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The Government of Kenya (GoK) does PR well... or is it that many Kenyans are gullible or just stupid? It seems the Oil Marketers have not done a good job highlighting their side of the story probably fearing retribution. Here are a couple of stories that highlights the idiocy in GoK & its entities. Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) stops pumping fuel from Mombasa to Nairobi while Nairobi faces fuel shortages! KPC has further hitches in pumping fuel from Mombasa to Inland depots. Politically connected firm, Triton, hogs space at the Mombasa fuel depot delaying offloading of fuel imported by other firms. And what bullshit is this? Ngumbao Kithi & Jane Akinyi claim there has been no fuel shortage at the Coast for 2 weeks... I beg to differ! There were some towns (Watamu & Kilifi) that were as dry as a desert at least once since 15 Dec 2008. Were these journalists bribed or idiots? Now in Tanzania... a failed government airline that needs constant bailouts while KQ (privatized) remains profitable in a tough environment. Precision Air (49% owned by KQ) remains profitable & is expanding. I hope KPC & KPRL is fully privatized. Soon. Transparently.
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4:57
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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  Just to brighten my (erm, your) 2009... Top - Rama Yade is France's Minister for Human Rights. Left - Rachida Dati is France's Minister for Justice. Right - Carla Bruni is France's First Lady. Sarkozy sure knows how to choose them! (Kenya's equivalents would be... (a) Human Rights... hakunaaa... (b) martha karua (c) lucy kibaki)
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8:36
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Mauritius is a small island with almost 'zero' natural resources except its beaches & human resources BUT the progressive government(s) have done relatively well compared to its peers. Here is an example of how the Mauritian government while recognizing the Global Financial Turmoil is much bigger than they can handle... they are trying to take PREEMPTIVE measures to mitigate the fallout as much as possible! Not burying their heads in the sand! Sithanen (the Finance Minister) said the forecast for economic growth in 2008 had been cut again to 5.1 percent from 5.4 percent, and warned that while the economy was a long way off entering into recession, the island was not immune from the global slowdown. In Kenya the CBK governor told Kenyans 'all is normal' and to expect 7% growth in 2008... and this is a crock of shit considering (1) post-election violence destroyed swathes of crops (2) the GFT & (3) soaring inflation. There are 2 other countries I consider 'models' in Africa... Botswana & Rwanda. Both have challenges but they practice fiscal management. Botswana is a net creditor nation & Rwanda's Kagame has shown leadership in a country that was decimated in 1994.
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15:17
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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George Wachira of the Petroleum Institute of E. Africa gives the reasons for the fuel shortages. I have echoed what he says through my sources & interest in the workings of the sector. BTW, I do not work for any of the Oil Marketers in any capacity incl PR. 1) The silly rules which 'protect' the extremely inefficient Kenya Petroleum Refinery (KPRL) are the start of the problems. 2) The favoritism shown by Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) to 'favoured/connected' entities like Triton Petroleum (now in bankruptcy/receivership) adds to the problems. 3) Poor information (truth) management by KPC causes disruptions. The upgrades were NOT ready but KPC never told the Oil Marketers the truth so they could plan accordingly. 4) Ministry of Energy's comments on having enough fuel stocks... but WHERE are these stocks? 60% consumption in Nairobi so what use are the stocks in Mombasa?And the PS blamed the consumers of panic buying! This is after consumers could not buy the product just days BEFORE (& during) the X-mas period which is the most heavily-travelled period for umpteen years! 5) Off-loading problems/delays due to congestion at Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) facilities. 6) Kenya Revenue Authorities (KRA) delays in verifying cargoes for quick release. Furthermore, they refuse to process refunds on a timely basis thus hamstring Oil Marketers ability to 'move' more product. 7) Kenya Power & Lighting (KPLC) did not supply 'consistent' power to KPC's fuel transfer/pumping stations. KPLC argues that KPC should have mitigated against the endemic problem like private firms do. 8) Triton was allowed to bid (& win) the OTS tender when it was financially weak. Didn't the Ministry of Energy take the safeguards to prevent this? KPA, KPRL & KPC are all government owned entities.KPLC is controlled (& majority owned) by the government.KRA is a government entity. Triton is private but the Oil Tender System (OTS) is run by the Ministry of Energy. Many strong firms e.g. Total & Kenol often opt out since the rules are onerous to the importers. This leaves 'shady' firms OR politically connected firms... and guess what happens?
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9:51
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Ironically, the problems should make us realize the true meaning of Xmas...
No fuel (most of the country)No food (especially among many of the poorer sections of our communities)No shelter (some IDPs)
Well... I know Kenya is a contrast... The lines at Nakumatt & the 'frivolous' X-mas items on sale while we have numerous folks who have hardly anything to eat....
It is these times that will show what we are as a Nation.
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14:03
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Many Kenyans are plain ignorant (or plain stupid or worse)... Whereas the KPC has been denying it is at fault for the recent fuel shortages... it turns out they are largely to blame... but the average (stupid?) Kenyan would rather listen to officialdom... Here are links: BD editorial blaming KPC (& about time... I preceded them by a few days!) KPC's 'fake' upgrade commissioning (KPC invited his kibziness for no good reason)
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2:29
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I recently advocated the complete privatization of KPC since the management at KPC in collusion with the Ministry of Energy is definitely incompetent & probably corrupt. Why would they allow a (almost) bankrupt firm ( see story here - Triton) to import oil products under OTS? Why do they allow a single firm to hold stocks/ullage in excess of their market share? (The government through KPC allows for storage/ullage in proportion to the market share. The Oil Markerters - Shell, Kenol, Kobil, Total) have been complaining that some 'politically connected' players routinely exceed their storage capacity). KPC's idiots blamed everyone else but themselves since KPC's managers were protecting their own. So they invited kibaki to 'commission' a facility that was non-operational & not expected to come online till early 2009. The Oil Marketers have made multiple suggestions for changes in the Oil Tendering System (OTS) among other structural problems facing the industry BUT the incompetent (or maybe just plain corrupt) mandarins refuse to make the changes. Another group of idiots reside at the Ministry of Finance & KRA... who refuse to expedite the refunds of taxes, duties and levies thus creating a strain on Oil Marketers. Of course, the public at large are like sheep. They believe whatever alfie mutua says... or some incomptent (&/or corrupt) government bureaucrat. It is so easy to blame BUSINESSES (they are not perfect) for the problems whereas dig a little deeper & its STUPID, CORRUPT, INCOMPETENT government functionaries who push retrograde policies OR are simply in it as rent-seekers!
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5:35
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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mugabe & his ilk are killing (killed?) the Zimbabwean economy with ongoing ridiculous actions... Are many of the Zimbabweans too stupid not to see what he is doing? Why don't they assassinate mugabe or at least have a mass revolution to kill mugabe & his cronies?
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12:40
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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On 26 Nov 2008, the pumbavus at Kenya Pipeline Corporation (KPC) made a huge deal of ‘commissioning’ the expansion (double) in pumping capacity by spending scarce state resources & inviting Kibaki & his entourage to the ‘commissioning’ in Makindu… So… what really happened? The bloody pipeline is NOT ready since it was but a scam for political mileage! Cut a few ribbons, cakes, drinks & cash all around. And all this wining and dining while the ‘expansion’ will not be ready until early 2009 at best!!! Most towns in Kenya are facing fuel shortages as (1) Kenyans gear up for the holidays & (2) the reduction in fuel prices spurred consumption but the idiots at KPC claim that the shortages are the Oil Marketers fault while its KPC who can’t pump the required demand! Though KPC has argued that it has enough fuel, and that it is the oil marketers who have not adjusted their volumes in line with the increased demand, the oil merchants are placing the blame on the pipeline operator. Any wonder why I don’t believe the drivel KPC spews? “Can some one explain why the Head of State was made to commission a project that is not complete?” asked Jacob Segman, the group managing director of Kenol. “Are we not deceiving the people of Kenya?” Many ignorant (or stupid) Kenyans blamed Oil Marketers since the ‘government’ informed them that Oil Marketers were to blame! There seem to additional problems at Kenya Refineries Ltd & Kenya Ports Authority since even many coastal towns don’t have enough fuel... IT IS TIME TO PRIVATIZE THESE FIRMS. NOT ‘PARTIAL PRIVATIZATION LIKE KENGEN OR KENYA POWER & LIGHTING… COMPLETE… NO MORE GOVERNMENT CONTROL… KenGenKPLCKPCKPAKPRL
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13:56
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I need me some of what jimnah mbaru is smoking... Did he write this article or was it ghost-written for him? It started off well but as the effects of whatever the writer was chewing or smoking got hold of him... GoK - Government of Kenya CBR - Central Bank Rate. Rate at which the CBK lends KES to Kenyan banks. CR - Cash Ratio. % of customer/bank deposits that have to given (interest-free) by banks to the CBK. It also acts as a brake on lending but increases lending rates. 1) Lower Interest Rates & Cash Ratio: I agree a lower CR will increase lending as banks will have "more" funds to lend as they can go after additional deposits. As interest rates for loans fall, firms can take on additional risk/investments due to lower project costs. Lowering the CBR will encourage 'cheaper' lending but this is dicey in that banks often have to be 'forced' (after adjusting for default & borrower risk) to lend at cheaper rates unless there is sufficient competition. In my view, its better to privatize - or transfer the management to professional hands - additional government owned/controlled institutions e.g. KPA, KPC and KAA then lend them 'cheaper' funds - with private sector oversight - for big-ticket items. This is a long-term view but worked well for the USA during FDR's time with the New Deal... KPA - A 2nd port + better facilities at Kilindini + new bulk grain handling facility. KPC - Longer & larger fuel pipelines to Kisumu then Uganda & all the way to Rwanda. KAA - A 2nd runway is desperately needed + new terminals + FAA Category 1 certification for N.American flights + upgrade existing terminals. 2) Buy SafCon (& other shares) from the market to inject liquidity: The Hong Kong government did that successfully but HK ran a surplus (GoK has a deficit) & HK's gov't financial dealings are considered relatively 'clean' whereas 'GoK' & 'clean' are not in the same dictionary let alone sentence! Unless the buying process is managed independent of any political influence, buying shares opens up multiple avenues of insider trading and corruption e.g. merali (a pal of dan moi's) can influence the government to buy shares in his shitty firms (eveready, sasini and sameer) which are among the NSE's worst performers! Or the GoK buys shares in Tea firms to 'support' the tea industry whereas tourism might be a better investment. It is short-sighted & stupid to bar Kenyan Fund Managers from investing off-shore. A Fund Manager's job is to get the best returns for his clients NOT support Kenya's economy! What next? Ban forex transactions to 'save' forex? Ban foreign travel to encourage domestic travel? Just was we want foreign money (FDIs & stock-market investments) we have to allow foreign investments or how different are we from the Tanzanians? BTW... mbaru was intimately involved in selling SafCon at a preferred price to 'hidden' foreigners who were supposedly 'long-term investors' but these mbaru-supported foreigners were the first to cash out. 3) Borrow to Lend to other countries- Great in theory but not smart in practice... not for Kenya. How will the GoK control - with minimal bureaucracy (read corruption) - that the funds lent are spent on Kenyan goods? At what interest rate does Kenya borrow & lend? Will some firms be favoured exporters (esp those connected with politicians)? How will the minimum 'local' content be regulated so its not just mere trans-shipment of goods? The only way out is to create an EXIM bank run on a PROFESSIONAL & COMMERCIAL basis which also provides sustainability. These countries already buy Kenyan, the problem is INFRASTRUCTURAl DEFICIENCIES to deliver the goods. The Rwandese complain about delays in transporting goods. Kenyan exporters have to bribe the Kenyan customs so the trucks are allowed through without inordinate delays. Building a railway to S.Sudan will do more for them & Kenya than lending S.Sudan money. As is... they might just buy more T-72 tanks! (BTW... who was that idiot wentagula think he was fooling when he said the T-72s were for the Kenyan armed forces?) Solution is to cut down on spurious customs & inspections when goods are exported to our neighbours. Yes, watch out for smuggled ivory, sandalwood, etc but not the hassles with exporting locally produced goods. Instead of the GoK borrowing money... how about reducing taxes? Almost the same difference regarding 'deficit' but a much faster way of getting liquidity into the economy... and its also egalitarian! 4) Building Sewers: Isn't this a job for municipalities? Why were houses allowed to be built without sewers? How do cash-strapped consumers build ditches or pay to be connected? Unlike MPs, the Kenyan taxpayer does not get subsidized housing mortgages or tax-free allowances. Shouldn't other municipalities be included in the programme? What happens if a home-owner (with a mortgage) can't afford to be 'connected'? It's better to have a comprehensive New Deal rather than simply building sewers in Nairobi! 5) Sale Lease-backs: The chances of buying the properties back at a reasonable price is almost zero... unless the economy is in the gutter... in which case the situation would be similar to what it is now... And the corruption involved would be phenomenal! It is more efficient and cheaper to (a) outsource most government functions (b) issue long-dated bonds than sell and lease back properties (c) encourage private entrepreneurship (d) fire 70% of the cabinet.
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10:08
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Michelle Obama (as well as other First Ladies in the USA) will earn NOTHING for her 'job' as First Lady. USA - Per Capita Income = $46,000. GDP = $13,800,000,000,000. Yes... but in Kenya (an IMPOVERISHED country by any standard) the First Lady earns earns $8,000 a month in (tax-free?) allowances!Kenya - Per Capita Income = $850. GDP $30,000,000,000. No wonder Kenya is & will remain a 3rd world country for many years to come... P.S. Michelle is an intelligent, articulate, educated (Harvard Law School) woman who held a high-profile position prior to Barack being elected to the Office of the President.... Lucy Kibaki - erm, please help me out... what is her education? Her professional life? Her achievements? *** Here is an interesting link on the US Cabinet appointments regarding salaries. Note that a lawmaker is prevented from taking up a job in government if they voted for an increase in compensation/salary for that job in the current term!!! Of course, the thieves in our 'government' would vote themselves extra perks!
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0:25
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I have argued that we need to move back to TRADITIONAL crops that are better suited to our environment, soils, climate... Please click on the following links for some great info... Lost Crops of AfricaTimbuktu Chronicles
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6:30
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I hope Micheal Joseph reads my blog coz SafCon is going to the dogs...
I have (almost) given up using SafCon's pre-paid voice service since Zain introduced Vuka.
In addition, for Kes 65/day I have 12 hours talk time between 6am-6pm. This is great since it can be used during peak hours. For 20/- (club 20) I get 'free' talk time from 10pm-6am & unlimited 'free' sms for the whole day!
(BTW, all the 'free' stuff is only Zain-Zain).
I sorta like the pre-paid Bambanet (internet) service since I can use it almost anywhere in Kenya (urban areas) & it is relatively fast BUT the service has been spotty of late.
1) I keep on getting disconnected after 2-3 minutes of use. Very frustrating especially when I am sending e-mails, posting on blogs or downloading.
2) I need to try 2-3 times before I am connected to the network. This really pisses me off.
3) 10 days ago, I could not get my balance on the Bambanet account. I was checking to see how much unused MBs I had as well as the expiry date but I kept on getting 'blank' replies to my enquiries. I had to spend an inordinate amount of time to visit a retail location to sort it out!
4) SafCon (see 3 above) charges 8/- per MB if you exceed the limit/package but they will not tell you the balance. What conmanship. I was a victim of the scam.
Pre-paid Voice service:
1) The employees at the retail center were unaware of when the "Jimbambie" promotion ends. I was told "December" but not 1st or 15th or 31st December!
2) I tried to call customer service on 100 but as always no luck. Why do they even bother to tell us there is a pre-paid customer service?
3) Unlike Zain, there is no indication of the cost of the call or balance after each call. I really like the feature on Zain. And when the Jibambie tariff shows up... it does not clarify which 'level' thus I could be conned & not know it!
If Zain introduces a 3G internet product... I will vuka over asap on that too... For those who have safcon shares... beware coz the competition is far better than SafCon... Don't be conned that SafCon's lead is unassailable. GM used to be the world's most profitable automaker. GM may be the largest BUT for investors... it has been a loser over the last 5 years!!!
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14:54
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Kenya has always had 'potential'... but a lot needs to be done. Soon. And most of it does not require much money! Tax Simplification: There are too many different taxes in Kenya. The confusion & complexity of the myriad fees/taxes/duties - as well as collection agencies - leads to corruption as the rent seekers are out in force. Debt Levels: The gov't needs to scale back on its public debt or it will crowd out the private sector. Or if it takes on debt, it should be focused on INFRASTRUCTURE in partnership with private firms. Inflation: I fear that inflation will be stoked by the recent actions since corrupt deals abound when subsidies are introduced as well as excessive borrowing OR printing of money. Subsidies: Bad idea. Moral Hazard: By selectively forgiving debt, the gov't is favoring those who were not either prudent or borrowed beyond their means. I think the bankruptcy laws need to be simplified & allow people to go 'bankrupt' rather than mass forgiveness of loans to specific groups. This opens channels for corruption & tribalism. (Lack of) Property Rights: Why I do not invest in properties in Kenya. FDI: Court the Chinese (warily), Indians, Arabs, Libyans, etc BUT do not give the family jewels for free or give monopolies! Bastion of Peace: Remain a peaceful island that allows all to come to trade. It will provide jobs & economic diversification. Kenya needs to improve its infrastructure from the port to the railways to encourage other countries to trade with Kenya. 2-party system: I think this will stabilize our politics and force Kenyans to choose parties without being overly tribalistic. No more PNU for kikuyus, ODM for luos or ODM-K for kambas! Or a no-party system like Rwanda! (There are many downsides to a no-party or 2-party system as well). Security: A terrorist attack would devastate us. Let's make peace with our neighbours BUT carry a big stick. Look at the Dec 2008 Mumbai Bombings. India has a much more diverse tourist industry vs Kenya yet they expect to suffer a huge tourist drop-off.
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0:40
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Kenya's economy is headed for a collapse unless the politicians get out of trying to run the economy!
Price Controls: These are always short-term and hardly work except under rare circumstances.
Food Prices: The farmers (producers) have little incentive to produce unless they get a fair price. Since the GoK restricts the purchase price of maize to KES 1,750 per bag, the farmers will stop producing.
Fuel Prices: In the case of remote locations, many firms will withdraw leaving the market open to black-market gouging. Since the GoK refuses to refund VAT among other duties/levies on time to the Oil Marketers, the costs will either be passed on to the consumers or the Oil Marketers will close up shop.
Subsidies: These are politically popular but ultimately hurt the consumers. How?
- Taxes will be raised (except for the MPs) to fund the extra spending
- Deficit will grow which means that GoK has to raise taxes or take on additional debt.
- Interest rates will rise to match the deficit (gov't borrowing) which crowds out the private sector.
- Corruption will increase as politically-connected firms/persons will "eat" the subsidies e.g. firm/person buys subsidized maize from NCPB & re-sells it back to NCPB at higher prices (a feedback loop).
- Subsidies create inefficiencies that are very difficult to root out.
- Kenya shilling will depreciate rapidly which will create imported inflation since Kenya is a net importer. Subsidies create an unfair playing field.
- Creating a larger gov't bureaucracy (bureaukrazy) will create additional avenues for corruption & inefficiencies.
Inflation: Folks will buy forex, gold and property (read: Why I don't invest in property in African countries) to hedge against inflation BUT this starves the REAL economy of investable funds e.g. investments in factories, farms, etc.
Remittances: The diasporan 'investing' cash will disappear as will any FDI if GoK can't guarantee a stable economic environment. There are always opportunities for a few rent-seekers but the economy as a whole will suffer.
Brain Drain: Kenya will experience a brain drain to other African countries, Middle East & of course... Europe & the USA even with the increasing level of unemployment there. Why? These economies still believe (for now) in keeping away from nationalization.
I have discussed in previous blog entries what measures need to be taken to right the economy. They may not be popular but need to be implemented. If Kenya loses its private sector, then Kenya is in huge trouble.
- When banks withdraw lending to businesses since its more profitable (& less risky) to invest in Treasury Bills & Bonds.
- When most Kenyan businesses become traders not manufacturers/producers.
- When Kenyan businesses compete against government subsidized businesses (e.g. Oil Marketers compete against a subsidized NOCK).
- When farmers decide its more lucrative NOT to farm since there are gov't handouts.
- Kenya has almost zero 'natural resources' that can produce income without much work e.g. oil. This means we need to work harder & smarter.
Kenya was unfortunate to have presidents like the jomo 'the land grabber' kenyatta (or as he is better known... crooked wa ngengi), dan 'steal all I see' moi and myriad other politicians whose sole interest was their own enrichment. Singapore had a brilliant benevolent dictator (Lee Kuan Yew) who transformed Singapore into a bastion of prosperity & stability in S.E. Asia.
Most of the current political class needs to be PURGED. They are thieves, idiots & greedy bastards. Most have been implicated in scams or have stolen fortunes. How do we expect them to lead us in these trying times?
Kenyans are also to blame. They vote for tribes NOT character. They have the world's highest population growth rate. They sway to the winds created as the politicians blow hot air. They want freebies without considering the after-effects.
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23:43
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Well... it seems that little has changed since jomo 'I love stealing land' kenyatta's & dan ' I am a thief' moi's days... Land allocated to the Lady Northey Home Registered Trustees is in the process of being grabbed. In all fairness, the grab started before kibz became prez but the theft needs to be stopped. kibz needs to ensure that his last 4 years show a commitment to cutting down corruption... I would like to see the best use for the land BUT not the current spate of thievery. Where is Orengo? I note that any land 'donated' to the City Council of Nairobi is bound to be grabbed. Remember the Jeevanjee Gardens? If not for the valiant efforts of Mr. Jeevanjee's granddaughter among other do-gooders, we would have some ugly shopping mall belonging to a bunch of crooked former councillors!!!
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14:19
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I have blogged extensively on the Government of Kenya's apathy to one of Kenya's largest (direct & indirect) employers... Tourism... Today is an example of a long-suffering firm (Kenya Airways - KQ) that has to deal with the idiocy that is the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA)... KAA - headed by uhuru kenyatta's uncle as nepotism is rampant - has mismanaged the Nairobi International Airport (NBO). It is old, dark, humid & dank compared to many other airports around the world. Emirates Airlines has a new terminal in Dubai. Ongoing attempts by the Dubai government to encourage their local airline compete better in the tough airline world. Qatar Air has also benefited from a government that has invested in expanding the Doha airport to support QA's rapid growth. KAA has done jack shit in helping KQ expand. - A 1970s airport without being updated for the 2000s, - Insufficient parking for passengers - Poor customer service. - High charges but little service - A poorly lit & pothole filled road to/from the airport - Poorly manned immigration desk for foreigners requiring PAID visas (a fellow traveller complained it took him an hour to get a visa - Poor lounge facilities. Hard chairs and even then too few of them. It happens that KQ has made Nairobi an eviable hub in Africa but to keep their competitive edge KQ needs a larger airport. Perhaps their own terminal! Otherwise KQ will lose out to an emerging Entebbe or Addis Ababa). Many African airports (e.g. Entebbe, Jo'burg, etc) have apron buses provided by the airport autority but KQ had to buy their own since KAA is too busy hiring lousy personnel!!! KQ is responsible for bringing in lots of higher-spending tourists as well as facilitating trade for Kenyan firms. These remain a lifeline for Kenya & the GoK should be helping KQ not impeding them!
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8:07
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Will Kenya slip into a recession in 2009? Let's just define recession as a contraction in REAL terms of the economy... Tea prices had climbed but with the current financial problems facing Pakistan & UK... among the largest buyers of Kenyan tea, there has been a substantial drop in prices & volumes. Tourism is likely to fall off as the financial crisis affects the travelers especially the budget travelers using credit cards.
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19:31
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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The so-called Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) appoints a STATE-OWNED CHINESE FIRM to pre-verify goods coming in from China. After recent scares about toothpastes deliberately laced with DEG & milk deliberately powder tainted by melamine... the idiots at KEBS chooses a fox (CCIC) to guard the henhouse (Kenyan consumers). The chinese manufacturers happily export sub-standard products to the USA - with a somewhat vigilant FDA - let alone developing countries with non-existent labs! I have argued that Kenya shouldn't import food products from china in view of the poor quality & lack of morals! So I wonder what the chinese have paid the officials at KEBS.... What do you think?
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23:50
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Does the government care? (Rhetorical question...)
JKIA is:
dark
dank
toilets stink
floor is uneven
over-crowded
The road to JKIA is narrow, pockmarked... where are the Chinese contractors?
The poor experience starts with the idiotic cop who is interested in your insurance sticker rather than if you are a terrorist. Am I going to carry a gun or RPG in plain sight?
The drop-off area is blocked...
There is only one scanner on thus a long line...
Check-in is pleasant (but this is handled by KQ among other airlines)
Immigration asks me a stupid question about my passport... Told him I got it as is from the powers-that-be... Threatens to cause me trouble... tell him to FO (well, politely...)
At least our duty free shops are 1/2 way decent vs other African (yes, I am going for the low bar here) airports...
Sigh... the waiting area can't match Entebbe... at least KQ has updated screens showing the flights. Well, so does KAA but no-one at the help desk. BTW, it is prime time... but the KAA employee if off... I only seen an employee behind a help-desk once in the past year!
There is NO working socket here... Using up my precious battery power to blog!
Can't wait to get on the flight.
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1:21
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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While California wants to cut down on 'paid holidays' i.e. the days you get paid for but you do not work... Kenya goes down the path of silly holidays like " Obama Day"... BO did not take the day off... he was working even harder after this election! Vision 2030 anyone? Or a large part of the current crop of politicians will probably be dead by 2030 so what do they care?
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0:21
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Ahhh... the Nairobbery we all know so well... and the police? Complicit? Yes, according to Tim Muriuki of NCBDA Incompetent? Yes. Corrupt? Yes. Vision 2030 - Kenya plans to be the world's gangster exchange... Gotham move over! Does the government realize that tourism is on shaky ground & such incidents will only scare the tourists away from Nairobi? Being an entrepreneur is tough at the best of times. I am not surprised that many folks don't want to bother starting businesses in Kenya unless its mere trading or the 'briefcase' bunch. BTW, the latest robbery took place 800 metres from (Un)Vigilance House... the seat of the Kenya Police. So would you go shopping for substantial items in the CBD? NCBDA Complaint
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15:12
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Tanzania imported melamine-laced milk & milk products. I would not be surprised if some Kenyan firms unwittingly did the same.
The chinese on the other hand have been lobbying African governments not to 'penalize' chinese milk imports! The chinese trade representative in Kenya issued a statement indicating that Kenya should not ban chinese milk products. Sure that's his job but are we fools?
Why do we need to import so many food products?
Why not have:
Weetabix not Kellogg's Cornflakes?
local Cadbury's not Lindt's/Hersheys/imported chocs?
local Minute Maid not Ceres/imported brands?
EABL products not Heineken/Castle (brewed in TZ & S.Africa)?
local sodas not same brands from middle east?
I have consistently argued that Kenyan (& African) consumers have a warped sense of consumerism regarding food products. We 'idolize' imported foods. Some local firms need to be do better & we have to hammer them on quality BUT the obsession with imports?
Go to any Nakumatt & it seems 50% of the food products are imported!!!
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23:53
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Yes... alfie the brown-noser told off the then Senator Obama on his visit to Kenya in 2006... and now alfie backed his boss' call for a public holiday to celebrate the same Senator Obama's victory... It's going to be a hoot when ratega ogego (Kenya's ambassador to the USA) has to meet Prez Obama! Ogego said to Obama "You deliberately, without real cause or reason, other than what appears to seek cheap publicity and inconsequential populism, chose to publicly attack the democratically elected Government of Kenya, in total disregard for the requisite protocol and acceptable methods to address the issues you raised, what with programmed appointments to meet Cabinet ministers and even the Head of State, since your visit was official," And mr. ogego... did your boss wake up one morning & declare a holiday for Obama? Could it have been for " cheap publicity and inconsequential populism"? More articles on alfie's gaffes or simply doing his masters' bidding... [allafrica.com][www.iol.co.za][www.youtube.com][www.eastandard.net]
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23:33
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Millers who approach the NCPB are told there is no maize. Even official complaints are swatted aside. BUT the NCPB sells maize to 'brokers' who sell to the millers at 26% markup. So... - Who are these brokers? - Why is the government competing with the private sector in procuring maize? Regulation is one thing but the involvement of government in (direct) commerce is the road to ruin. And consumers have to pay the price. Shouldn't the government spend money on improving the roads in the North Rift rather than buying maize from farmers? It's a rhetorical question because the latter allows for quick & easy corruption! - Underweight bags of maize are purchased by NPCB - Low quality maize is purchased by NPCB - Maize is sold at a loss to 'favored' entities & persons by NPCB Private millers would go out of business if they did the above! Then the demolitions along Thika Road. Why were the officials in the Nairobi Crooked Council & Ministry of Landlessness not arrested & thrown in jail for allocating & allowing construction on road reserves?
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22:45
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Kenyan newspapers need to hire reporters who have a better understanding of ECONOMICS, FINANCE & BUSINESS. An article by Wshington Gikunju titled " Foreign currency reserves slip below minimum" makes little sense! I quote " The worsening of import cover position means that Kenya, a net importer, may face commodity shortages as importers struggle to obtain dollars to clear outstanding import bills." There is no 'struggle' to obtain dollars. It's simply a question of paying for KShs for the US$. Furthermore, Kenya also imports from other countries e.g. Japan, Korea & the UK which can be paid in their own currencies & may have depreciated vs the US$. Kenya has been importing foodstuffs among other non-essentials. These imports will be pricier thus benefiting local producers. Why do we import cereal (Weetabix is pretty good), eggs (crazy!), milk products like butter & cheese? Fewer bags of grapes, apples & lychees isn't going to cause Kenyans much harm! Fewer bottles of imported liquor, wine and beer will be good for KWAL, EABL & Keroche. I quote " CBK could also be forced to limit its supply of dollars to the priority sectors of the economy such as oil, food and medicine importers. " Huh? Did the guy say food? Except for wheat... there are few 'essential' foods that Kenya needs to import! Anyway, we should be encouraging production of sorghum & millet. Yes, these are much better 'foods' than wheat or maize. Furthermore, in the long-term Kenyan importers will only import what Kenyans can afford. After all... they are businessmen... As much as I shake my head at the silliness of importing cereals & eggs... at some point these will be too expensive to import & Kenyans will turn to local products. I think Nation needs to hire someone with some sense of economics to review what these 'journalists' put out... Some of these comments/opinions create a sense of panic even though there is no need to be overly concerned! BTW... in typical Kenyan style... when someone becomes 'powerful' the sycophancy starts! So Kogelo, a back water village will soon have electricity, piped water & adequate security!
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12:58
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I don't get it & neither do many Kenyans. Yes, Kenyans are proud that Barack Obama won the elections BUT he is an AMERICAN. Through & through. As for the vaunted Kenyan connection... it turns out his Kenyan father had little to do with raising Barack Obama. Kudos to his BO's Mother & maternal grandparents. Obama the father abandoned Obama the son when BO was 1 month old... So Barack was NEVER a "Kenyan" in any sense of the word. He was not born in Kenya, not raised in Kenya, not a Kenyan resident nor a Kenyan citizen. Congrats to Obama for the victory BUT why has kibz declared a holiday to celebrate Obama's win? What of the loss of productivity for the typical mwananchi without a cushy government job? kibz & roocy get paid whether they work or not. Not most Kenyans. Election day in the USA was a working day for most Americans. There are no official holidays for any of the post-election days. So if the USA marks the historic occasion with a 'working day' why do Kenyans have a 'holiday'? Who will pay the 1,000s of casual workers who only get paid if & when they work? Who will pay for the loss of interest income for those whose cheques take 1 business day longer to clear? Who will pay for the lost business deals/opportunities? Who will compensate the farmer who delivers his produce but finds the markets are closed? Who will compensate the businesses that rely on workers patronage e.g. food sellers in the CBD? We have kenyatta day, moi day & now Obama day? As is, we do not need a krooked wa ngengi day nor a dan 'stealing galore' moi day! Let Kenyans celebrate Obama's victory BUT not at the expense of their livelihood! Other views: Startups in Kenyake
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15:28
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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I am wary of National Oil Corporation of Kenya. 1) Does it receive subsidies from GoK? If yes, how much? 2) Does it receive favourable treatment from KRA? 3) How are its activities funded? The problem is that any government 'support' costs taxpayers even more. - Subsidies means higher taxes on those who pay taxes (MPs excluded).
- Favored tax status means the other taxpayers are disadvantaged.
- Capital put into NOCK means other areas are starved OR the funds are borrowed from the money markets.
The government should encourage competition NOT get into the business. NOCK should be sold off to the public & let it compete with Total, Kenol & the rest! Strenghten regulation and quality controls. Which firm imported the low-quality LPG? Various taxes on petroleum products should be reduced or eliminated. Or encourage public transport by offering 'free market' incentives e.g. lower taxes on buses & mini-vans. Government 'support' will encourage cronyism, corruption & inefficiencies! ** Good news: Political clout on the decline. KCB sold off a farm that kenyatta had stolen. They had borrowed money using the farm as collateral & KCB foreclosed on it. Considering (not yet) uhuru is Deputy PM, this is great since other politicians will be running scared!
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14:56
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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Bouquet - Increased burial fees. We need fewer burials & more cremations. Of course, murders can't be solved if the bodies are cremated BUT that only happens on CSI. In Kenya, 'investigations' are a joke. What was the idiot's name who claimed Robert Ouko 'killed' himself then set himself on fire? Barb - Why would you raise the fees for LOADING BAYS from 60,000/- to 100,000/- in Nairobi? Many world-class cities want businesses to open/remain in their downtowns e.g. New York, London, Chicago, etc... the idiots at the Nairobi City Council want to drive these businesses out! These businesses keep residents downtown longer & create vibrancy. Higher costs of the various licenses will either push these businesses out by encouraging hawkers who pay no fees or charges! Violent & armed robberies are on the rise & the police as usual consider these as 'normal'. Barb - Why doesn't the NCC get rid of the death traps - 14-seater Nissan matatus? I would post photos but I don't want my phone or camera being snatched!
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17:26
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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What a waste! The Nakumatt store among other buildings were bulldozed by the 'government'. I know there were cases pending but the impunity is horrendous. Nakumatt had the property on lease - they do not own property - but seemed unaware of the operation. At the minimum, they would have emptied the store. The landlords say they never received the summons. Anyway, expect a lot of lawsuits back & forth. Or was this a case of the law gone amok? (The demolishers may be right but the waste of food when Kenyans are starving. The sheer waste of equipment/utensils/beds, etc when Kenyan hospitals go without... It just galls me!) How on earth did they get to build these structures on road reserves? The Kenol petrol station had 26,000 litres of petrol. Yes, a spark and kaboom. Well, if I were the owner & you screwed with me, I would have probably lit a match and walked away... and helped lots of looters on their journey... upwards... Associated Posts:
Real Estate in Africa - Very Risky
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3:00
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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The volumes are modest but there is lack of supply thus higher prices expected on Monday.
Some counters were over-sold thus a significant discount on many shares to 'true' value.
Equity Bank released exceptional results leading to a huge increase in price.
HFCK released results that reflect growth. Add the effect of Equity Bank as the largest shareholder. Takeover in the books?
ARM & Carbacid had decent results given the poor economy post-election.
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1:35
From: Rants, Raves & Reviews
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It has been a tough year for KQ since their busiest & most profitable quarter (1 April - 30 Jun) was | |
